Afrobeats is sweeping the U.S., but so far the wave has been dominated by men.
Yet one woman stands out in the genre: Tiwa Savage.
And she does it all without a trace of foundation on her face.
Electricity going out is a regular occurrence in major African cities such as ours.
Despite the steady interruptions, Savages energy never flags.
Last year, I deeply connected to her music because of my desire to get back to my roots.
On this particular afternoon, Savages honey-highlighted hair is blown out straight.
Her skin, tinted with bronzer, is glowing and she wears a comfy-looking Burberry knit sweater.
To create a similar look: Intensify Me!
There needs to be some people that are not too perfect.
I dont want to be looking jacked up, but I also want to look relatable.
Tiwatope Savage was born in Lagos State, Nigeria.
But for her parents, formal education was always a priority.
So Savage eventually earned an accounting degree from the University of Kent.
She wasnt even angry.
It was more her disappointment.
So I stopped, but I was always insecure about being dark.
When Savage began gaining more attention, her perspective changed.
My first two singles were very American and it wasnt very African.
So, she made an about-face.
She doesnt feel pressure to appear to be something she is not.
Actually, being inauthentic would probably be harder for someone as self-assured as she is.
I have a platform and Im digging more into my responsibility for younger people, she says.
There needs to be some people that are not too perfect.
I know we want to look good.
I dont want to be out there looking jacked up, but I also want to look relatable.
Nyosi top and skirt.
Lago Space Programme jewelry.
During our call, Savage proudly tells me that she hasnt put on foundation in two years.
Did this have to do with her aesthetic transparency?
Then I just decided Im never going to use foundation.
Truth be told: Whatever beauty advice NaomitheeCampbell casually doles out, anyone should take.
But for Savage the appeal was the process, or a lack thereof.
Makeup, much like her life right now, is about simplicity.
Just powder,blush, liner, and lips, she says.
Thats your stepdad, she told her son while watchingThe Legend of the Blue Sea).
Shes also been thinking about ways to infuse serious topics into her music.
Savages work addressing corruption has sometimes been followed by backlash from politicians and religious leaders.
I feel like the world is going through stuff and I need to play my part.
list of local beauty favorites.
I mix turmeric and honey and put it on my face for 15 minutes.
I also have an LED mask that I use every other night.
Click hereto read Tiwa’s cover story in Yoruba.
